7 Aug 2013

LONDON PEEPS WAKES UP UNDER THREE FEET OF WATER AFTER LEAK FROM MAINS...

The centre of a London suburb woke up under a metre water this morning after a burst water main caused chaos.Firefighters
and paramedics were called to Herne Hill in south London at 5.30am this
morning after water began rising above waist height.Cars,
bus stops and shops are half-submerged at the junction of Herne Hill
and Half Moon Lane, where people in 36 homes were stuck.Residents
have been forced to stay indoors while other trying to get to work
waded through the flood carrying people on their backs.

Boat rescue: Firefighters in a boat on Herne Hill this morning after a water main burst

Submerged: The water has risen to an astonishing level in a short period, leaving cars stricken

Deluge: The Metropolitan Police's helicopter was
over the flood zone this morning and warned people to avoid the area
until it is cleared

Shock: A deluge of water has hit the London suburb while Thames Water tried to find where it came from and shut it off

Floating along: This photo taken from the ground shows the fire brigade moving their boat across the flood

The fire service even brought in a boat to help deal with the emergency. The service said the large water main had been switched off and the water was slowly receding.A
spokesman said: 'Our crews are well equipped to deal with floods, and
we have lots of specialist skills and equipment used at the scenes of
incidents like this one.'The
most important thing for us is making sure that people are safe, so
people who live in the affected street are being advised to stay in
their homes until the water is cleared.'Then we will be helping to clear water out of basements, homes and local businesses.'One
local resident, Fran Graham, tweeted: 'Woke up to biblical scenes
today, water level is dropping so hopefully I can get out of my flat
soon.'